I already have the 524 which, as you rightly say, is MTK only (due to NEC not supporting labeltag).

The reason I am looking for a true Liteon 424 is I do need Lightscribe . I am also hoping that when the 624 eventually becomes available that the 424 can be crossflashed to a 624 with full functionality.

From what I understand the 424 when crossflashed to a 524 gains labeltag but loses lightscribe whereas a 524 to a 424 gains nothing and loses labeltag.

This suggest that the 424 should, if using 624 firmware, support lightscribe and labeltag whereas the 524 would probably not.

I just wish I had a local store who stocked the 424 - this would be so much easier!

If after a few more days I am still no further forward looks like the Asus could be a good option.

With regard to the 624 you maybe right as it looks like it’s now nearly a year overdue. Can’t really see what the problem is though as if the 424 to 624 assumption is correct all that is needed is firmware.

So other companies are basically using Liteons MTK chipset drives (which I assume support all Liteon functions and utilities if crossflashed) and are selling them under their own brand name whilst Liteon confuse buyers and retailers by selling both a MTK and NEC (which does not support all Liteon functions and utilities) drive as the same IHAS424

The only thing I would say about trying to find one of these is that most if not all companies appear to not know of the distinction between the A & Y versions and, even if you ask them to let you know which they stock, they probably won’t tell you. With regard to the company I used I actually just took a risk and ordered the drive based on the the post I mentioned earlier.